US diplomats have been told to "unabashedly and aggressively" remind African governments about the "generosity" of the American people, according to a leaked email seen by the Guardian. The email, sent in January to the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs by its new head Nick Checker, said, "It’s not gauche to remind these countries of the American people’s generosity in containing HIV/Aids or alleviating famine." Checker, a former CIA conflict analyst, said this was needed to counter the "false narrative" that the US is not a major donor and to better use aid to advance US interests. Checker’s appointment and this message follow the Trump administration's 2023 national security strategy, which shifts US-African relations from aid to trade and investment. The strategy views Africa as peripheral to US core interests, focusing on "risk management" and strategic economy. The email notes possible US engagement areas like conflict settlements in the DRC-Rwanda and Sudan, and investment in minerals and energy sectors. Critics have slammed the email. A former senior State official called it "offensive and downright racist," while Kristofer Harrison, ex-State official and anti-corruption NGO head, said Checker is "wildly out of touch with reality." A West African diplomat noted US aid has helped many but said the recent reduction has caused unease, making repeated claims of US generosity inappropriate. Meanwhile, USAID faces closure. An invitation for bids to help close USAID surfaced, detailing an orderly shutdown by March 2028. The invitation bars hiring former USAID staff and follows a House bill aiming to end the agency, despite questions about its legality since USAID was created by Congress. Critics call this move "a gift to worldwide corruption and authoritarianism." The State Department did not immediately comment.